Monthly Archives: May 2015

Sarah P’s comments: Opportunities are rarely posted from Pakistan. This is a new university thus no reviews however I think it is safe to say that this is a challenging opportunity as you would be developing a new library in a country facing many difficulties, a fact openly acknowledged in an article about Habib University:

Each academic program at Habib University is Pakistan-sensitive, which in essence mean that it is designed keeping in view Pakistan’s needs. However, that does not take away the global outlook the students develop. The fact that each member of the faculty has, at some point in time, acquired training or education abroad enables students to view Pakistan from a global perspective as well.

It will be interesting to see how this university develops.

Note: I would like to offer a related piece of advice when considering international situations/locations. My grandmother always told me that, when out in public, never discuss politics or religion or order chicken on the bone(!) Seriously, though, this is good advice and extends, I believe, into the Code of Ethics for librarians where we do not professionally embrace just one school of thought as we are meant to offer equal access to information. If you are considering an international career, know that you are a representative of this philosophy as well as your own culture. I always post the ALA Code of Ethics wherever I go as a reminder.

Scope of the Job:

Under the Head of University Library articulates the Libraries’ mission and goals; provides leadership for the Libraries’ staff, operations, and services; advances the Libraries’ reputation on a local, regional, and national scale; collaborates with university administrators in carrying out the University’s academic priorities.

Major Responsibilities:

As Habib University is a new institution, the role of the University Librarian is to
1. Assist leadership in articulating a clear vision for the University Library
2. Develop and implement Library Strategic Plans to meet University’s academic priorities
3. Assists in managing the University Libraries human, financial, and physical resources.
4. Oversees all departmental operations including but not limited to: budget preparation and oversight, submission of reports, grant acquisition and management.
5. Implement Library Policies and Procedures, applicable to University faculty, students, administrators and the university community at large
6. Develop and implement the information technology plan for the Library, with a customer-centered approach to serving the digital information needs of the University
7. Work with the faculty in defining library collections for the first year of classes and develop plans for expansion of collection
8. Recruit and develop library staff for management of University Library
9. Develops strategies to align library services with University curricula and research.
10. Ensures implementation of new technologies that enhance library services.
11. Continually aligns services to meet the needs of diverse constituencies within the University Community.
12. Oversees the day to day operations of the library to ensure reasonable access to all library services
13. Communicates the value of library services to faculty, staff, and students.
14. Maintains knowledge of current issues and trends in academic information services such as instructional technology and design, information literacy, assessment, copyright and fair use.
15. Performs other duties as assigned by the University Librarian.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program or equivalent.
2. A record of scholarly achievement.
3. Leadership experience in an academic or research library.
4. Experience optimizing the delivery of library services
5. Experience developing and implementing strategic or project plans.
6. Experience with library space building, expansion or design projects.
7. Budgetary experience.
8. A record of service in professional library or academic associations.
9. Experience implementing new technologies to enhance library services.
10. Experience developing collaborations regionally, nationally or internationally.
Skills and competencies:

1. Knowledge of implementing and using KOHA as a library management system.
2. Knowledge of emerging technologies within the domain of scholarship, scholarly communication, and library services.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with administrators, faculty, students, staff, and other library constituents.
4. Commitment to fostering a diverse staff.
5. Commitment to serving a diverse community.
6. Proven success as an effective communicator.
7. Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills.
8. Evidence of strong management skills.

Applications should include a cover letter, detailed resume providing evidence of a distinguished record of librarianship and scholarly achievement, and the contact information for three references, which should be sent electronically (a single PDF file preferred) and in confidence to misbah.jawed@habib.edu.pk

About the Organization:

Habib University is a liberal arts and science institution being established by Habib University Foundation as a world class center of excellence in higher learning in Karachi, Pakistan. Habib University offers undergraduate programs, with a unique blend of interdisciplinary education in Science, Engineering, Arts, Humanities and the Social Sciences. The University initiated classes with 100 students and will continue to grow in numbers in subsequent years. The University is looking to develop and implement a creative and innovative admissions plan and process that addresses the needs of higher education in Pakistan and also represents best practices in admissions internationally.

Sarah P’s comments: It is fairly rare to see an archivist position in the UAE. Two other places in the Middle East who have posted archivist positions in the past are the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture in Saudi Arabia and the Qatar National Library which currently has a Head of Archives position listed as open (note: Arabic speakers given preference).

The University
Zayed University, a premier university in the United Arab Emirates, is an innovative institution based on an international model of higher education. The University has experienced rapid growth, and currently has over 1000 faculty and staff serving approximately 9000 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students on its campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Zayed University prepares graduates to become leaders in government, business, civil society, arts and culture, and family life, and to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and society. Through a curriculum grounded in learning outcomes, the University expects its graduates to be proficient in both English and Arabic, and to possess the skills in communication, technology, information literacy, research, critical thinking, and global awareness that will make them leaders in the interconnected 21st-century world. English is the primary language of instruction. Zayed University is fully accredited in the UAE and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US. The United Arab Emirates is a progressive country known for its high standard of living and its safe, family-friendly, multi-national environment.

The Opportunity
The Library and Learning Commons Department seeks a University Archivist who is responsible for overall management of the University’s young archive collections. The successful candidate will lead the collection development efforts to acquire the most significant materials of permanent historical value for documenting the history and functions of Zayed University. The Archivist will also be responsible for shaping the management, digital access and preservation of the materials collected. The Archivist will apply professional standards to the processing, arrangement and preservation of records; oversee creation of finding aids and creation of MARC catalog records for OCLC; and create records in MARC and ISAD(G) format for in-house and web databases.

The Responsibilities

Policy Advisor/Administrator

Recommend, implement and maintain the collection policy for university records having archival value.

Recommend best practices regarding the development of both print and digital access to the records.

Oversee implementation of policy and levels of practice in university office.

Supervise a technician and student assistants.

Through the Dean, recommend policies regarding archival records to the university administration for approval.

Serve on department, college and University committees as needed to assist in development of matters benefiting the University.

Records Management and Training

Identify and transfer archival records from university offices.

Organize, process and preserve archival records.

Provide archival records management and preservation training to university offices and departments.

Contribute to planning of the future direction of the program.

Act as a leader, teacher, advisor, and facilitator for the Archives.

The Requirements

MLS from an accredited library school or its recognized equivalent; or a graduate degree in history or other relevant discipline which includes archival training.

At least three years’ experience with demonstrated success as an archivist, curator of manuscripts, or special collections librarian, preferably in an academic or research library.

Knowledge of rights administration and management issues for archival collections

Knowledge of descriptive content standards and best practices

Familiarity with Archivist Toolkit or other archival management software

Experience in creating and maintaining archival finding aids online, including EAD encoding, working knowledge of XML, and familiarity with DACS, and LC cataloguing standards.

Broad knowledge of current technological applications for archival management and access.

Experience processing and cataloguing archival records.

Familiarity with preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections.

Experience creating and maintaining documentation of policy and procedures.

Evidence of effective project planning and management.

Demonstrated history of flexibility, creativity and a strong customer service commitment

Willingness to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Must show promise of advancing the mission of the University through scholarly or creative achievements.

Experience developing and deploying an online project from beginning to completion.

Demonstrated working knowledge of digital image file formats and software.

Knowledge of issues related to long term preservation of digital content.

Experience supervising staff and student assistants.

Knowledge of copyright issues in the digital realm.

Experience working with a consortium to develop a shared repository

Understanding of the Arabic language

Experience working in a multi-cultural environment

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., housing, a furniture allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.

To Apply

Please visit our web site www.zu.ac.ae and click on ‘Employment’ to be directed to the recruitment website. In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references.

While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.

Sarah P’s comments: Zayed has been considered one of the better colleges to work for in the UAE however in recent years their reputation has slipped. They have always had sporadic hiring practices; interviewing then no communication, it appearing that a job is likely and then no contract, etc. Last year they advertised for an Information Literacy Coordinator for their Abu Dhabi campus in late August, then posted a search extended ad in October. I assume they did finally fill the position. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two major cities in the UAE (about two hours apart) and both have lots of traffic but the Emirates remain a safe to live. Be prepared for more expats than Arab nationals and you will have to go south to the desert and/or Oman to experience real Arabian culture.

Note: These positions appear to be new so hopefully the hiring process will be a bit more straight-forward. They have Arabic fluency on the list of requirements but it is unlikely they will be able to find candidates with all they require however if you have taken any Arabic this would be a major plus for your application.

The University
Zayed University, a premier university in the United Arab Emirates, is an innovative institution based on an international model of higher education. The University has experienced rapid growth, and currently has over 1000 faculty and staff serving approximately 9000 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students on its campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Zayed University prepares graduates to become leaders in government, business, civil society, arts and culture, and family life, and to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and society. Through a curriculum grounded in learning outcomes, the University expects its graduates to be proficient in both English and Arabic, and to possess the skills in communication, technology, information literacy, research, critical thinking, and global awareness that will make them leaders in the interconnected 21st-century world. English is the primary language of instruction. Zayed University is fully accredited in the UAE and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US. The United Arab Emirates is a progressive country known for its high standard of living and its safe, family-friendly, multi-national environment.The Opportunity
The Library and Learning Commons seeks an incumbent for the position of Transition Experience Librarian who will be working closely with his/her counterpart on the other campus. The Transition Experience Librarian is responsible for developing and leading learning and engagement opportunities designed to help Zayed University students acclimate and thrive. English Language Learners (ELL) in the Academic Bridge Program (ABP) are the focus of the Transition Experience Librarian’s efforts, with students transitioning from the Bridge program into the general education program as the secondary focus. The Librarian supervises two staff and oversees the day to day operations of a busy Learning Commons service point. The Librarian serves as the liaison to the Bridge program and is responsible for maintaining a collection of ELL materials in support of the program’s needs.
The Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operations of the Learning Commons, including staff and collection management, program and technology development, promotion and assessment, and oversight of the Learning Commons public service point(s).

Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate two full time staff. Oversee the staff management of student assistants in the Learning Commons.

Serve as the liaison to the Academic Bridge Program; engaging in collection development, providing reference and research consultations for students and faculty, participating in discipline-specific information literacy programming and other relevant initiatives.

Co-lead, with counterpart on the other campus, a Learning Commons Team tasked with developing cross campus programming and initiatives to help students to acclimate and develop appropriate information literacy skills as they move from secondary to post-secondary English-medium education.

Participate in the provision of general reference services, including some weekends and evenings.

Participate in the information literacy program; designing curriculum, classroom teaching, working with faculty and with other library staff.

Assist in the development and maintenance of subject guides, user aids and the LLC’s website.

Participate in the planning and development of LLC policies and services and serve on LLC and University committees as appropriate.

Engage in professional research and development.

The Requirements

Must have a Master’s Degree or PhD in Library Science or appropriate field from an accredited institution and a minimum 3 years library and/or teaching experience in a western-style university, a minimum 1 year experience as a supervisor, and experience in an academic library or in academic support services.

Creativity and ability to envision new services

Strong administration skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to relate well to faculty, students and staff

Strong organizational, planning and time management skills

Ability to work in a collaborative setting

Flexibility in program development and responding to change

Commitment to user-centered services

Initiative

Problem-solving skills

Fluency in English

Experience working in a multicultural environment

Experience working with ELL students and faculty

Fluency in Arabic

These are ZU competencies that outline the behaviors required for success. For further information on ZU Competencies and go to: http://webapp1.zu.ac.ae/hrintranet/html/hrforms.htm Here you will find both faculty, staff and leadership competencies. The level of competency needed is defined by the nature of the position.

Leadership & Managerial Accountability – Engages others to work together towards a shared vision and common goals; Makes effective decisions, achieve outcomes and result
Communication -Able to share information in an effective & collaborative manner, both verbally and in writing.
Customer & Service Focused – Demonstrates a spirit of service excellence
Results & Action Orientation – Demonstrates initiative to generate improvements and foster positive outcomes.
Builds Effective Interpersonal Relationships – Demonstrates interpersonal effectiveness in the workplace.
Knowledge & Technical Competency – Demonstrates proficiency in technical and job knowledge aspects of the position to achieve high level of performance. Able and willing to learn.

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., housing, a furniture allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.

To Apply

Please visit our web site www.zu.ac.ae and click on ‘Employment’ to be directed to the recruitment website. In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references.

While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.

5/23/15 – By far the most positions available overseas for librarians are found in international schools of which there are all types and sizes. If you have experience in this area or think you might enjoy this for a few years in order to gain international experience it is possible to so do if you have an MLIS. School media certification is generally required however if you can show you are working your way toward certification then some schools will hire you. It usually depends on supply and demand as well as whether the school is undergoing re-accreditation.

If you have an MLIS but no education experience you can try the Search Associates internship program (scroll down to bottom of page) which places you in a school for one year and you are mentored. You receive all the benefits of regular staff with the exception that your pay is less. This is another good way to get your foot in the door of the international world.

Finally, the hiring season for international schools used to be in the spring. Online recruiting and demand for candidates has now moved the season forward to begin in mid-fall so if you are interested in this avenue you will need to contact agencies and/or place your resume on TIE by September.

For more information about this process please read Chapter 3 of my book,and check out the links provided in the Book Resources area of this blog.

5/22/15 – Director, Library and Learning Services
The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Sarah P’s comments: Positions in New Zealand and Australia for non-residents were non-existent until these past few years. Now I seem to see one pop up every 3-4 months. They are usually only Director level positions however this is an interesting trend which I hope continues.

Director, Libraries and Learning Services

~~The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University. Established in 1883, it is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. With 6,000 staff and over 40,000 students studying across eight academic faculties, the University of Auckland is a large and comprehensive university, and the only New Zealand university to feature in the top 100 in the QS World University rankings.The University’s commitment to Libraries and Learning Services is embedded within its Strategic Plan and is fundamental to its aspirations and activities. These objectives include providing a high quality learning environment; disseminating research that has the greatest possible impact and value for New Zealand and the rest of the world; and infrastructure of the highest quality possible to support our teaching, learning, research and community engagement.The Director, Libraries and Learning Services (who also holds the title of University Librarian) leads a committed and highly professional team of 250 FTE staff making this division the largest tertiary library in the country, both in terms of size and breadth of services provided. The portfolio includes 13 subject specific libraries, the stand-alone Kate Edger Information Commons (including Student Learning Services and the English Language Enrichment facility), as well as the development and delivery of a range of University-wide initiatives such as the compulsory Academic Integrity programme for students and research publications services for academics.

As a member of the University Senior Leadership Team, the Director, Libraries and Learning Services will have the experience and interpersonal credibility to engage and contribute strategically at the highest levels of the University.

The successful candidate will bring a track record of successful leadership of large, complex library services, with at least some management experience in the tertiary sector. Your leadership approach and management skills will inspire confidence and ensure success while continually developing this high performing unit. Your proactive, action oriented, mature and professional approach will enhance your ability to influence and build credibility with stakeholders and the international professional community.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual seeking to progress their career and make a tangible difference to our challenging and rewarding environment at The University of Auckland.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students.

Please contact the University of Auckland (as below) for further information regarding the position, University and life in Auckland:

ASCLA’s next adventure abroad–a trip to Scotland October 28-November 5th! Seven Nights in Scotland on an author themed tour! From the magical city of Edinburgh, to the capital of the Highlands, the west coast, islands and back to Glasgow, this is Scotland at its most intriguing and fascinating. History, world famous writers, music, and epic scenery will be taken in each day to delight and wonder you to this ancient and wildly beautiful country.

Trip Information: October 28 – November 5, 2015
7 Nights for $2495 Double Occupancy plus airfare (Single supplement for people traveling solo is an additional $395).
We can attempt pair you with another solo traveler if you are interested.Deposits of $500 for the trip are due June 1, 2015. Remaining balance due September 1, 2015.

A portion of the trip’s proceeds benefit ASCLA, a division of ALA. All those interested in coming along on this exciting trip are welcome to attend regardless of membership status. Click here for an informational brochure.

Sarah P’s comments: I do not personally know anywhere who has been employed here but here the Glassdoor reviews which are generally positive. FYI: They also advertised for a Deputy campus librarian last October as well as a campus librarian in January of this year.

Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate must possess a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

A minimum of three (3) years post-qualification experience in Librarianship in an academic/research library is also required, as well as experience in the following:

The provision of reference services

The cataloguing of multiple formats and electronic resources

Using an automated Library Information Management System

Supervisory Management

Special Responsibilities

Managing The Alma Jordan Library or the Medical Sciences Library on the evening and weekend shifts

Engaging in professional development activities

Conducting research and contributing to the body of literature on Library and Information Science

Personal Attributes
The Group of Campus Libraries places high priority on individuals who can work well in a team environment. Candidates should also possess good communication and interpersonal skills. A good command of both oral and written English is essential. Candidates must also possess:

Good decision-making abilities

Strong leadership potential

Demonstrated ability to work comfortably and effectively as part of a professional team, in a cooperative collegial environment